Cover-placing mechanism for packaging machines



M5991 12, 1929. BERGMANN 1,705,279

COVER PLACING MECHANISM FOR PACKAGING MACHINES File F b- 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet l Marh 12, 1929. I g, A Q 1,705,279

COVER PLACING MECHANISM FQR'PACKAGING MACHINES Filed Feb. 8, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 12,1929;

C. N. BERGMANN COVER PLACING MECHANISM FOR PACKAGING MAORI NBS 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb. 8, 1924 March 12, 1929.

c. N. BERQMANN COVER PLACING MECHANISM FOR PACKAGING MACHINES 5 Sheds-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 8, 1924 INVENTOR Mai-ch 12, 1929. c. N. BERGMANNQ COV BR PLACING MECHANISM FOR PACKAGING MACHINES Filed Feb. 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR Patented Mar. 12, 1929.

"UNITED STATES PATENT OFFI Et QERISTIAN N E GMA I 0 aweso e PENNSYLVANIA) esslsuon 'I'Q BERG- rem PACKAGING MAQHINE torrent or rrrT s se PENN YL N A. A otr eerior O DELAWARE:

VEML C NG MEQ'HANISM FOB M mmas MA EHNES,

Application filed February 8, 1924. Serial No. 691,426.

My invention relates to improvements in a machine for measuring units of mobile material, and for charging or filling receptacles therewith, and covering said receptacles with a closing cap or disk. The present invention relates particularly to the mechanism for detaching such cap, or a series of them individ ually, from a superimposed bank or banks, placing the cap into operative position with relation to a plunger, and actuating such plunger whereby to insert the cap or cover in the upper portion of the filled receptacle.

The invention herein is similar to that dis closed in my prior applications filed January 17, 1923, Serial-No. 613,285, and January 19, 1923, Serial No. 613,595.

The invention has in view to provide means for accurately engaging and moving the cover, means for effecting movement of the plunger mechanism, and proper timing thereof, an improved arm actuating lever mechanism for effecting cover-shifting operation, means for holding the cover in centered position with relation to the receptacle, 2. suction controlled plunger, and various other features of construction, as shall be more fully hereinafter described.

Referring to the drawings:

1 is a partial view of my machine in side elevation, showing the shifting mechanism retracted;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the shifting mechanism at the end of its stroke;

Fig. 3 is a similar view, showing the plunger mechanism at its lowered position, after retraction of the shifting mecl ianism;

Fig. {i isa vertical sectional view on the line lV-IV of Fig. 8, showing one of the shifting plates at its retracted position;

Fig. 5 is a similar view, showing the plate advanced, with the cover located beneath the plunger Fig. 6 is a similar view, enlarged, showing the shifting plate partially retracted for the next operation;

Fi 7 is a partial plan view, partly broken away and partly in section, on the line VHVH of F ig. l;

8 is vertical sectional view onthe line VIIL-VIII of Fig. 1;

Figs. 9 and 10 are enlarged sectional detail views, showing the action of the. plunger placing the cover within the receptacle and in withdrawing therefrom;

Fig. 1.4: is a vertical cross sectional view on the line XIV-XIV ofFig. 1, showing the plunger-s at their uppermost position, as in said view, and with the air suction established I i Fig. 15 is a partial similar view, showing the plungers lowered, and with the air suction broken;

Fig. 16 is a detailview, partly in section, showing the mounting of the air line joints for making and breaking air connection with the plungers I Fig. 17 is a partial similar View, showing the air joint op n Fig. 18 is an enlarged detail view, showing the slide supports for the sliding coverpush- 111g plates.

lhemachlne as a whole is generally rectangular in form, having a horizontal support ing frame 2 forming side portions which are extended toward each end, and providing supporting track-ways 4 for the carrying receptacle or tray, and other features of the machine not necessarily herein involved. Such trackway 4 is conveniently formed on the inner portion of the main frame 2, for Sliding support of the container carrying frame or tray 5, as in Fig. 1. Said frame is adapted to be advanced intermittently along said traclm ay by the reciprocable bar 6, and engagement thereby of a pawl on the under side .of the tray 5, as shown and described in ,the prior applications above referred to.

The receptacle carrier, as there shown, is provided with suitable receiving cavities or sockets extending crosswise in rows, spaced apart longitudinally of the tray a distance equalling each forward intermittent movement, thereby to bring each such row of supported receptacles successivelyfirst under neath the unit measuring mechanism and then under the cover pla ng mechanism, Par ic larly herein involved.

h receptacles h ch are pr f ra ly of papercup form, are ,Qaried lay the tray 5 successively forward a distance equaling the longitudinal space between each transverse row, with intermittent rest periods, during which the covers or caps 8 are placed therein by the several reciprocable plungers 9 at the lower ends of a corresponding series of plunger rods 10. Said rods are mounted for guiding alinement in bearings forming a portion of a cross framework or transverse supporting bar 11, and are all connected at their upper ends for vertical reciprocation with a common cross head or bar 12, by which they are reciprocated vertically.

Each outermost plunger stem 10 is pro vided with a spiral lifting spring 13 between the transverse bearing framework 11 and the upper reciprocable supporting bar 12, for the purpose of retracting the several plungers upwardly after being lowered, as hereinafter described. For the purpose of creating suction and sufficient partial vacuum to positively hold the several covering disks 8 in proper position up against and underneath the several plungers 9, after being centrally located therewith, each stem 10 is made hollow throughout, providing an air conduit terminating centrally of the plunger bottom.

Each stem 10 is fixedly and adj ustably held in cross bar 12 by screw connection and lock nut 70, whereby each stem may be accurately adjusted, and is provided with a seating terminal 73 at its upper end. Bar 12 is maintained in vertical sliding alinement by guide rods 74 extending upwardly at each side from bracket frames 4-41 of the machine. For the purpose of maintaining suction through the several hollow plunger stems 10 while raised and during their downward movement until the covers 8 are inserted in the receptacle, and of then breaking the suction or vacuum just before the end of the downward stroke, 1 provide a separable connection for the stems.

Slidably mounted on the upper portions of guide stems 74 by bushings 7 5, which have an upper bolt head terminal and a lower supporting lock nut 76, is a gravitating cross bar 77, the ends of which preferably have a slight play between the head of the bushing and its lower nut. The downward movement of bar 77 is limited by abutment or shoulder 72 of guide shaft 7 1. Nuts 78 on the threaded shoulders of rod 7st limit upward movement of cross bar 12 at exactly the desired height. Fixedly mounted in bar 77 are a series of short hollow nipples 79, in alinement with plunger stems 10, and each having a seating terminal 80, fitting against or within the terminal 73 of plunger 10. The upper end of each section 79 is connected by hose section 81 with a manifold 82 having a suction pipe communicating with a pump, vacuum tank, or other suction or vacuum creating mechanism.

\Vhen bar 12 has lowered the several plungers to almost the limit of their downward movement, and the caps 8 are entering within the upper flaring edges of the containers, bar 77 is arrested by shoulders 7 2, the slight additional downward movement of bar 12 and the plungers, in inserting the covers, then separating the terminals 73 and 80, as in Figs. 15 and 17 and breaking the vacuum. Thereupon, the plungers rise without suction on the covers which are now tightly inserted within the containers, facilitatin easy movement without disturbance. Upon upward movement of the plungers for the nextoperation, terminals 73 abut against terminals 80, closing the air joints and lifting the several sections 79 and bar 77 to their uppermost position, as in Fig. 14.

Depending 011 the degree of vacuum eX- erted, it will be seen that the suction action on the covers may be very accurately regulated, so as to modify and finally terminate it, by varying the extreme opening between terminals .380. This is done by adjustment of bushings 7 5, and of the sections 79.

The several plungers are intermittently reciprocated by their common cross bar 12 through connecting rods 15, each having a slotted extension 16 at its upper end, engaging the laterally extending stud 17 of bar 12 at each side of the machine. Connecting rods 15, preferably provided with a compensating turn-buckle 18, are pivotally connected at 19 with a crank 20 of shaft 21. Said shaft, as shown in Fig. 8, is adapted to be intermittently actuated at the proper time, whereby to receive rotative action from the constantly running worm gear 22, by means of the clutch member 23. Said member, which is of the same general construction and operation as that shown and described in prior application Serial llo. 665,604, filed September 29. 1923, is composed of a hub keyed to shaft 21 and provided with a spring pressed bolt 24. Said bolt is adapted to engage a suitable receiving socket in disk 25, of gear 22, when said socket comes around into registering position, and the bolt is free for insertion.

For the purpose of retracting the bolt and holding it retracted, it is provided with an outwardly projecting lug 26 adapted to be engaged by the cam face 27 of an arm 28, carried on the inner end of shaft 2 Said shaft, which. extends inwardly through a bearing in the side frame of the machine is carried in a supplemental bearing 30 above the worm gear 22, and is normally pressed into operative position by spring 31.. At its outer end, shaft 29 is provided with a lover arm 32 connected by link 33 with lever 34: of rock shaft Said rock shaft actuated by the gravitating lever 36 having the terminal roller 37 adapted to be engaged by the tray 5, and to throw the cam arm 28 out of the path of lug 26 of locking bolt 21, as indicated in dot-ted lines in Fig. 12. By such mechanism, whenever a tray enters underneath the capping mechanism, and during the progress of such tray, or a'series of them, amuse is maintained raised, and, consequenty, the bolt connection between hub 23' and i'langeQS continuously maintained, so as to continuously transmit motion from the Worm gear-'22 to shaft 21. I

Cra'nl: 20 is, therefore, continuously" rt 'a'ted' and continuously reciprocates' the connecting rod at each side of the machine. In its lowermost position, as in Fig. 3 the series of plungers are depressed, effecting placing of the several covers 8 in the series of containers 7, as ab'cvedescribed. Continuous rotation of crank 20, in the direction indicated by the arrow, andjbecaus'e of the slotted extension 16, allows notonly for up ward retracting movement of the several plunger-s by springs 13, but also provides for a certain lostmo-tion period at the upper portion of the stroke, as shown in F ig. 2. Suchlost motion. period is utilized to provide a period of inaction for theplungers, during which the shifting mechanisniof the covers is eliect'ed. o

. The covers 8 are arranged flatwise in closely assembled series or banks within a correspon'c 'ng seriesof vertically arranged tubular 'ia'gazines 40 mounted above the carr ing tray space, across the machine. Each ofsuch magazines, which may be of thin tubular metal, is preferably vertically slotted, as at 41, providing clearance for access to'the disks anda l'so for the passage of handle stem 38 of a pressing weight 39. A series of such weights, resting on the tops of the several banks of covers, compacts and compresses them. downwardly and maintainsthem in flat condition. 7

Each tube lO is set fixedly in a receiving base 42, forming a portion of transverse supporting bar 11, and'th'ebase' and tube are channeled as at 69,)1'oviding a. forwardly extending clearance opening for the tangs 68 of cover. disks 8. Such clearance opening also acts to maintain the several disks in proper association with all 01 the lifting tangs extending forwardly and presenting the continuously round rear edges for engagement by the pusher plate, for. regular and accurate engagement and placing thereby, as d'e..-,ribed. The projecting tangs or lips 68 oi covers 8 are bent up against the inner edge oi the'receptacle when the cover is inserted therein, as in Fig. 9, and thus facilitates easy removal. i

Slidably mounted below the open bottom oi each ma eazine tube, and between guiding and supporting plates or strips secured up underneath the bottom of'cross bar frame 11, is a pushing or shifter plate 416. series of such plates extend lengthwise underneath the magazines for the purpose of simultaneously removing the lowermost cover of each series-and placing it, immediately underneath the plunger 9. Plates 46 are individually connected by bolt 47, with an actuating cross bar 48, extending-across the machineand slida-bly mounted in across head slot bearing 49 of frame 443 At its front end, each plate 46 is reduced in thickness-*toieeeive a singie catecl a'it 50, soas-toembrac'e therefar half portion of the thin cover-'8; and t'oeng'age it for forward pushing. The contacting edge of such portion 50 is preferably COI'IDt'OI SUDlK or inwardly beveled, as at- 51, whereby to-niore coyeiiin fron'tfoi" a rounded}shoulder as indi- 1 securely engage against the edge of the disk f and positively insure itsseparating sliding reihovaL-while the concavitylofth'e edge 'tends to centralize the position of the disk;

The beveled edge construction also provents accidental. springing upwardly of the thin edge of, the cover and tends to maintain it iii-acont-inuously flat condition? The'cover supporting thiniextension of'plate 46 is preferably provided with a hole 43; registering with the center of the disk, as'shownl Such hole'facilitatesair circulation under the cover when .itis shoved, underneath the plunger,

and also al-lowsfor insertion of a supporting rod for the cori'ers'iniilling the magazine. allowlng them to be lowered without tilting.

' The forwa-rd underportion oft-he siipporta ing cross-bar frame 11*, havingthe spindle bearings,isholl0wed out or recessed, as at 52, for clearance of the plunger 9, the intervening metal body port-ionof'the frame extending laterally across the -machine, providing smooth fiat under surface areas a co -extensive with theleve'l'of the'upperfa'ce of the push-5 ing plates 4'6. By such construction, it will be seen that the recess 53 of the pl'ate is of -54: having a series of openings 55therethrough, of just sufficient si ze to al'low' for downward movement and clearance of the cover and plunger, toward the receptacle 7. Such plate acts'asan abutment, against-which the receptacle will engage, as in" Fig. 10;; in case of possible sticking-of the plunger within the receptacle, or any such interferel'ice, preventing free upward movement. In such event, the receptacle will'be forcibly detached from the plunger, and will drop back to its normal position within the nay;- as indicated in dotted lines; The interior annular edge fac 1 each'opening 55 is inclined inward 13*, as to centralize the @ev'ering in its downward movement, and ensuring accurate placement centrally in the cup 7. y A forwardly' extending clearance opening 82 of each main opening provides for clearance of the tang 68 of each cover.

For the purpose of actuating the series of pushingslide plates e6 by their common bar 48, I provide the swinging arms 56 pivoted one at each side of the machine at 57, and connected at 58 with the connecting rod 59, which engages each termiiial of bar l ""ally, as at 60. The connecting rod 59 is preferably provided with an adjusting turn buckle, as shown, facilitating exact adjustment, while the individual bolts 47 also provide for proper attachment of the individual plates and in effecting their accurate action.

Swinging arms. 56 are actuated at the proper time by a pair of-cranks 61 and 62 re spectively, each preferably having a terminal roller 63, adapting to wipe alternately against the edge of arm 56 for imparting forward and backward movement thereto, as desired. Crank 61 forms a portion of c 'ank of shaft 21, already described, and crank 62 is secured upon the end of a similar shaft 64-, which is geared with shaft 21 by spur gears 65-66. Either of said gears may be driven by power from any source orprime mover, so as to rotate them together, and in opposite directions. In the construction as shown, the driving power is conveniently utilized from shaft 21 and worm' gear 22, when the disk of the gear is in-clutch connection with the shaft 21, as described. Gear 22 is in constant driving connection with a motor driven shaft A through worm 67, as in Fig. 8. It will be understood that any suitable driving power may be utilized for the machine, the speed of wlnch is comparatively slow, but I prefer to use an electric motor geared with shaft A.

It will be understood that the several. plungers 9 remain mactive in raised posit1on for a sufiicient period of time to allow for forward pushing and placement of the several individual covers and for withdrawal of the pushing plates by the mechanism just described. is shown in Fig. 1., the roller 63 of crank 61 is just commencing to move lever arm 56 toward the left to effect such shifting movement,

which terminates when crank 61 has moved about one-fourth of its thrm as in Fig. 2.. in such position, the connecting rods 15 are at their uppermost position and, about to lower to effect down ward movement of the plunge rs, but not immediately, due to the lost motion slot 16.

In the meantime, crank is approaching lever arm 56 from the other side and acts to throw it backwardly to its initial position for another operation, as in Fig. 2, during which time the connecting rods 15 are carried downwardly, inactively, until the studs 17 are engaged. During the remainder of the stroke,

the plungers are lowered, effecting the placement of the covers in the containers, as in advanced one space by the reciprocable bar 6.

It will be understood, also, that the several rows of containers are being successively filled 'ith ice cream or-other substance at a previously located position on the machine, as de scribed in my other co-pending applications.

The capping or closing operation above described is continuous and rapid, the design and timing of the machine providing for just sufficient rest periods to avoid interference of any kind, while the construction of the pushing mechanism and its operative parts avoids the possibility of interference or misfitting of any of the several covers within their particular receptacles- V The construction and operation of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated from the foregoing description, and it iscapable of rapid operation and a resulting large output of closely sealed packages ofthe kind involved.

It will be understood, of course, that the proportions, size, dimensions, and various details of the operative parts of the mechanism above described may be changed or varied by the skilled mechanism to adapt it to varying sizes, conditions, etc. of receptacles, or that the invention may be otherwise changed by the skilled mechanic, but all such changes are to be understood as within the scope of the fol lowing claims.

Vihat I claim is: i

1. Means for applying covers to receptacles consisting of an open bottom magazine, a suction plunger having a separable bottom of the magazine underneath the plunger, means for reciprocating the slide plate, a stripper below the plunger, and means for arresting the upper portion of the plunger during descent of its lower portion to terminate suction theretlu'ough.

2. A magazine slide pl ate of the character described having a plane upper surface, a cover-engaging flat supporting portion of reduced thickness, and an intervening undercut curved shoulder providing for edge engagement with a disk-shaped cover.

3. The combination with a series of cover magazines each having a forwardly disposed clearance slot for the tangs, of a series of flat disk covers and reciprocable plungers in ad vance thereof, a series of individual slide plates extending underneath the magazines magazine outwardly therefrom with its tang in advance to locate the cover underneath the several plungers, a transverse actuating bar secured to each slide plate, and means for actuating the bar in opposite directions.

l. The combination with a series of cover magazines each having a forwardly disposed clearance slot for the tangs, of a series of flat disk covers and reciprocable plungers in advance thereof, a series of individual slide plates extending underneath the magazines adapted to shift the lowermost cover of each magazine outwardly therefrom with its tang in advance to locate the cover underneath the several plungers, a transverse actuating bar secured to each slide plate, a shifting arm connected to the bar at each side beyond the magazines, and means for moving said arms alternately in opposite directions. t

5. In combination, a reciprocable hollow plunger having an upper air connection terminal. a co-actin suction conduit ada ated 1 b to make connection therewith on upward movement of the plunger, and means arresting downward movement of said suction conduit. v I

6. In combination with guide stems, a reciprocable supporting arm provided with an air suction conduit, means for arresting downward movement of said; arm, a reciprocable bar having a hollow plunger adapted to engage the air suction conduit,and means for reciprocating said bar. 7 7. In combination with guide stems, a reciprocable supporting'arm provided with a plurality of air suction conduits, adjustable means for a resting downward movement of said arm, reciprocable bar mounted on said stems, abutments' on the stems for limiting upward movement of the bar, springs for lifting the bar, means for lowering it, and a plurality of hollow plungers carried by the bar adapted to abut against the suction conduits. a i

8. In means for applying covers each having atang to receptacles, an openbottom magazine, a suctionplunger and means for opening and closingsuction therethrough, a slide plate arranged across the bottom of the magazine adapted to support and push the lowermost-cover from the bottom of the magazine underneath the plunger, means for reclprocatmg the slide plate, a stripper plate below the plunger having a downwardly and inwardly tapering clearance opening for the plunger and a laterally pro ect1ng clearance opening for the tang and adapted to cen'-' tralize the disk in passing therethrough.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

CHRISTIAN N. BERGMANN. 

